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0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC vs Skyactiv-G: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC carries less risk than the Skyactiv-G: 18/100 (low risk) versus 25/100 (moderate risk). The 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC has no documented serious faults; the Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

18

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

25

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

20 sourcesHow we work

Is the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC reliable?

The GM Daewoo S-TEC engines (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 naturally aspirated, low power) power the Matiz, Spark, Aveo 1.2, Beat and Sail. The sources consulted document only minor and cheap faults, such as oil leaks and ignition faults on the Matiz, and we have found no structural engine fault.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC faults

Is the Skyactiv-G reliable?

The Skyactiv-G is a naturally aspirated petrol engine that the German specialist press consistently describes as reliable, with no documented pattern of serious engine faults in any Mazda model reviewed. Its weak point, shared with almost any direct-injection petrol engine, is carbon build-up in the intake; in addition, 2017-2020 units had recalls for software and for the fuel pump, since fixed by the manufacturer.[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC and Skyactiv-G
0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TECSkyactiv-G
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement——
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power52–84 hp75–187 hp
Production2002–2022[8][9][10][11][12]since 2011[4][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)18Low risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity00
Worst severityMedium severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Ignition system faults (high-tension leads and modules)
  2. Low severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover and sump
  1. Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling
  2. Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller
  3. Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.2 S-TEC and S-TEC II 72-84 hp (Aveo T200/T250, 2005-2011)[14][15]
  • 1.0 and 1.2 S-TEC II DOHC 16v (Spark M300, Beat and Sail, 2010-2022)[2][3]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 0.8 and 1.0 S-TEC SOHC (Matiz/Spark M200, 2005-2009)[1][12]
  • 1.4 S-TEC DOHC 16v 102 hp (LCU, Sail, 2010-2015)[18][19][20]
None
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Other comparisons

With the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

With the Skyactiv-G

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Czy warto kupić: używany Daewoo / FSO Matiz (od 1998 do 2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 22 August 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Chevrolet Spark hatchback reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published October 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Fiabilité Chevrolet Spark (2009-2015): pannes, rappels et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Daewoo S-TEC engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet SparkWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Chevrolet AveoWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Chevrolet MatizWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  15. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  16. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  17. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  18. Chevrolet SailWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Chevrolet Sail: conócelo en detalleAutocosmos Chile · Motoring press · published 3 November 2010 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Lanzamiento Chevrolet SailAutoblog Uruguay · Motoring press · published May 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish